20 weeks

Oliver turned 20 weeks on February 7. He had a doctor's appointment the next day and weighed in at 14 lbs 14 oz, officially doubling his birth weight!

birth day at 7 lbs 7 oz and 20 weeks at 14 lbs 14 oz

Here are some of the things he's been doing/enjoying:
practicing rolling - front to back and back to front (just barely starting)
tummy time - no crawling yet
babbling ("ga" "da"), cooing, screeching, and general noisiness
working on his fine motor skills
taking walks in the unseasonably warm weather (he's still bundled in his bear outfit - see below)
playing on his play mat
sucking his fingers and thumb
smiling and laughing

eating all day and night (still!)
getting to know the cats
bath time

Here are some of Chris' photos from the last few weeks.

Oliver and Toby

Oliver Laughs

Here are a couple short videos of Oliver laughing.


Oliver Laughing 01 from Chris Bock on Vimeo.

Oliver Laughing 02 from Chris Bock on Vimeo.

4 months

On Friday, January 20th, Oliver turned 4 months old. We had his 4-month doctor's visit the day before and he weighed 13 lbs 9 oz and was 24" long, putting him in the 25% for weight and height. His pediatrician said he looked great.

While we were in the doctor's office, Oliver did two new things. He rolled over (front to back) and sat up unassisted for a few seconds! We haven't seen him roll over again yet, but it was exciting to see. He continues to work on his grasping and seems to like trying to hold (and taste) his toys.

Last weekend was another first, his first road trip. We drove to Iowa City to visit with family. Oliver wasn't a huge fan of the car ride, but adjusted well once we arrived and was content to meet and hang out with his Grandpa Bruce & Grandma Jenny, Uncle Jesse & Aunt Eleanor, and Marsha & Ron. It was great to see them all!

Oliver and Grandma Jenny

in Grandpa's arms

on Uncle Jesse's lap

three generations of Bocks

I'm going back to work full time on Monday, January 23. I've arranged my schedule so I should only have to go in to the office 2-3 times a week. I'm conflicted about returning to work, feeling excited to get back to teaching and regular adult conversations, but feeling sad about leaving Oliver too. I feel fortunate that Chris will be able to take care of him while I'm at work though!

The past four months have been a roller coaster ride. We are learning a lot and enjoying being Oliver's parents!

16 weeks

Oliver turned 16 weeks old this Tuesday, January 10. At his last doctors visit (at 15 weeks) he weighed 12 lbs, 9 oz.

In the past few weeks he has started putting his hands in his mouth all the time. He has also been drooling lately which we're hoping is not a sign that teeth are on their way.



Chris is working at the hospital part-time now which means he's home a lot more. I love seeing my boys together!

Just yesterday he grasped a toy by himself for the first time. It has been fun to see him working on this skill for awhile and finally succeed. It was such a small thing, but I was so proud!

He loves the Bjorn carrier (the Swedes sure know how to make baby products!). Chris puts him in it to make dinner on a regular basis and he just hangs out and watches. I'm hoping he'll follow in Chris' footsteps and enjoy cooking (for me?) when he's older. We've been having unseasonably warm weather so far this winter and have been lucky enough to take him on a few walks in the carrier too. He is content to look around and suck on his hands, the top of the carrier, or both.

We're heading to Iowa this weekend to visit family and friends. It will be our first road trip with Oliver. We're excited for everyone there to meet him and hope the trip goes smoothly!

3 months

Oliver turned 3 months old on December 20th. We have been continuing to enjoy the holiday season and watching him grow. He seems to be getting bigger every day.

Oliver has not been sleeping very well lately, making for some pretty tired parents, but he is still a happy baby and has been cooing and smiling with increased frequency.

He still loves his baths and especially the post-bath ritual. Yes, we blow him dry with a hair dryer! Chris tried this one cold night and we found that he loves it so we've continued the special treatment.

goofing around with dad

posing with mom

laughing

in the kitchen with dad

And lastly, a few photos from the day he turned 3 months. We love this guy!

'Tis the season

We've been enjoying the holiday season this year and are excited for Oliver's first Christmas. We picked out and decorated a tree. (Note to self: always ask which trees smell the best. Ours smells so good!) We also got Oliver a stocking at a local shop where Chris and I bought ours last year. His is the biggest one (on the far right in the photo below) which we thought was appropriate.

picking out the tree

 

decorating the tree

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Oliver is still a pretty happy baby, except for the reflux, and has been smiling a lot. Chris made him laugh for the first time this week.

Oliver is continuing to grow, but is still a little guy for his age, though perfectly healthy. At his doctor's appointment yesterday he was 11 ½ weeks old and weighed 10 lbs 11 oz. 

listening to music with dad

Before Oliver, I didn't realize how funny babies were. His expressions routinely make us smile and laugh.